Banisteriopsis argyrophylla

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical presence across several distinct regions of South America. In Brazil, it can be found spanning from the North to the Southeast and into the Northeast. Its range also extends through the West-Central areas of the Brazilian landscape. Beyond the borders of Brazil, the species is also distributed within Paraguay. This wide coverage highlights its significant presence throughout the southern and tropical portions of the continent.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Banisteriopsis argyrophylla is characterized by its adaptation to specific lowland environments, primarily thriving within the Cerrado biome. This plant occupies a distinct altitudinal niche, ranging from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 500 meters above mean sea level (m AMSL). Its presence in the Cerrado habitat suggests an evolutionary alignment with the seasonal moisture patterns and soil compositions typical of these tropical savanna ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Cerrado

Life history

The life history of Banisteriopsis argyrophylla is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to maintain a long-term presence within its native tropical habitats. As a woody climber or liana, it follows a developmental trajectory that moves from initial seedling establishment in the understory to a phase of rapid vertical growth, where it utilizes structural supports to reach the forest canopy in search of sunlight. Throughout its multi-year existence, the plant undergoes seasonal cycles of vegetative expansion and reproductive phases, eventually producing flowers and fruits that facilitate seed dispersal. Because it is a perennial, the plant can withstand fluctuations in environmental conditions over many years, establishing a robust and enduring biological presence in its ecosystem.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Banisteriopsis argyrophylla is characterized by its woody structure and its growth habit as a liana. As a climbing plant, it functions as a facultative climber, utilizing surrounding vegetation for support rather than being self-supporting. Although categorized within certain growth form classifications as a shrub, its primary development follows a woody, liana-like pattern. The species is strictly terrestrial in its ecological positioning, meaning it is neither aquatic nor semiaquatic, and it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, remaining firmly rooted in the ground. Furthermore, it is an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies toward its host plants.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

liana

Climber :

facultative

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Banisteriopsis argyrophylla has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Banisteriopsis argyrophylla has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaves.

Leaves

1. Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)